Make Dog Yarn
Many people have a potential "sheep" right in their house. In North America, indigenous tribes were spinning dog hair into yarn long before the Spaniards introduced sheep. Chiengora (pronounced she-an-gora), or dog yarn, is up to 80% warmer than wool, very soft, similar in appearance to Angora, and sheds water well. To collect, simply save the brushings from your dog!
Steps
- Identify if the fur is appropriate for chiengora. Your dog's fur must be at least two inches (5cm) long, clean and unmatted. If it's a little shorter than that, it may need to be mixed with other types of fiber (e.g. wool) so that it holds together. Any fur under 1 inch (2.5cm( should be discarded as it will shed far too much when spun and made into fabric.
- Save dog fur from brushings. Some areas of the dog may have little undercoat and mainly guard hair. Don't save fur from these areas. Focus on the ruff, shoulders, back, sides and belly. Separate the thicker and tougher guard hairs from the soft cotton-like undercoat. Clippings, if used, should be sorted similarly. Only save the soft undercoat. Remove any foreign material that you encounter.
- Card the fur. You can use the same procedure as for Angora fiber: How to Card Angora Fiber.
- Spin the yarn. There are several ways to do this:
- Finger spin. Take some fur in one hand and take a small piece of it with another hand and twist. Keep a firm grip and don't let it untwist. Keep twisting and it will soon turn to yarn. Spin about one and a half yards and keep it for the next step.
- Use a hand spindle.
- Finish and deodorize your dog yarn.
- Find things to make with your dog yarn. Mittens, socks, hats, even sweaters if you live somewhere cold enough. Learn to knit.
Tips
- The best tool for collecting undercoat is the shed ender like on TV. You can get one at the pet store.
- Your neighbors with a large fluffy dog probably won't mind you grooming their dog. You can do it for free and save the fur.
- You may want to make yarn with your cat's fur, however this will most likely have to be blended with wool.
Warnings
- There are some businesses that make things out of your raw dog fur for a fee. If you are too busy to make it into yarn and clothing consider this option.
- Don't use really short hair clippings or guard hairs or it will make scratchy yarn.
- Adding wool will strengthen your yarn, and if done carefully will still make the yarn have its angora-like feel.
Things You'll Need
- Slicker brushes or a hand carder
- Dog with appropriate fur.
- Dog brush, preferably shed ender
- Drop spindle
- An old pillowcase to store the fur in
- optional, a neighbor with a dog with suitable fur
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